In a significant development regarding the so-called Goleada case, preventive detention has been ordered for Aquiles Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, along with several other individuals, including Pablo Pita, the manager of the Guayaquil Airport Authority, and Carlos Asanza, the manager of the Land Terminal. This legal action follows the detention of eleven individuals by the authorities on Tuesday, highlighting a wide-ranging investigation into alleged organized crime activities involving money laundering and tax fraud. The Public Prosecutor's Office has indicated that these individuals are part of a larger scheme that has raised significant public concern about corruption in local governance.

The investigations have yielded notable evidence, with authorities reporting the seizure of cash, electronic devices, and critical documentation during recent raids. These items are expected to play a crucial role in understanding the extent of the alleged criminal activities. Legal representatives for those detained have argued against the necessity of preventive detention, claiming that their clients were engaged in legitimate commercial activities and complied with tax obligations. Carlos Soria, the lawyer for Pablo Pita, expressed hope that the judge would dismiss the preventive detention measures, citing a lack of justification for such actions against responsible public officials.

This case is emblematic of ongoing challenges within Ecuador's public institutions, where corruption and misconduct allegations have sparked widespread public outrage. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications for Guayaquil’s governance could be significant, potentially leading to broader reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in local government operations, drawing attention to the need for systemic change in how public sector entities function.